Currently the skilled St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Meyerkord & Kurth are representing families affected by taking Zofran while pregnant. Furthermore, the use of Zofran while pregnant can lead to babies being born with congenital heart defects, and facial abnormalities such as cleft lip and palate. Although the use of Zofran is used in cancer patients, or those who have just had surgery, many times it is prescribed to pregnant women to help with morning sickness in their first trimester.
The generic name for Zofran is ondansetron, and although the FDA has never approved it for use during pregnancy, the makers, GlaxoSmithKline marketed the drug as safe. Furthermore, in 2012 GSK paid $1 billion in fines as part of a settlement due to claims from the U.S. Department of Justice. Likewise, the claims alleged that GSK illegally marketed Zofran as safe treatment for morning sickness in pregnant women although the pharmaceutical giants knew otherwise. In addition, it is claimed that GSK paid physicians to illegally promote Zofran and prescribe it to their pregnant patients. It was found that Zofran reaches past the placental barrier, and is not safe for use during pregnancy, and GSK had been receiving complaints from families since 1992 regarding the matter.
Although GSK reached a settlement with the Justice Department, they still face civil charges and liability. Now, Meyerkord & Kurth are helping families injured by the use of Zofran to obtain justice for their baby's suffering and injury. If Zofran, or any other drug has affected you or a loved one, please contact us today for a free consultation.